Miranda’s breath caught in her throat at the sight of William’s cart rolling steadily towards their farm house. He was here, and it wasn’t even the beginning of the week! She worried that it meant that something was wrong, till she noticed his bright smile that made her tingle all over. She felt a soft blush creep up her cheeks and wished she could go out and greet him as her father had done—offering him a welcoming smile, if only to see if he would smile back at her. But for now, she could merely content herself to watch him through the shuttered windows.
William smiled and offered his hand to her father and the stout man took it hardily. “Ah English, ‘tis a fine day for ye to visit me. Have ye ought to barter in that cart of yours?”
The younger man just smiled. “Aye, cheese and butter, sweet red apples and a keg of ale for a suckling pig perhaps?”
The old man laughed whole heartedly. “Ye have fine taste, English. Well… for the goodness ye have shown, I shall trade ye for a pig. Will ye come into the house and share a cup of mead with me?”
William nodded and followed the man towards the narrow door. He entered, his blue eyes going to where Miranda sat carding wool. She glanced at him shyly, a soft blush already on her golden cheeks. But he dared not let his gaze linger more than a moment for it was not proper to do so, English or not.
He followed Alden to the roughened table; the he two men settled down at it, a cup now before them. They discussed the new inhabitants to Glenton Moor and his hopes that the village would soon be filled again. And then he said, “…I have asked of the Earl that as long as I live there, that the place be protected from both the armies of Whittington and from those who would see it destroyed. I received a missive today, and he has given his word that as long as I dwell there and those who are mine, the place shall be safe. We shall pay him tribute each fall, I myself shall see to that. ‘Tis a little thing if it means the peace and safety of the village.”
Alden nodded silently and dropped his gaze with a frown. “…Aye, ‘tis a good thing ye do...”
“Ah, but not only there Alden, but in Chadwick also. I have told him how the villagers here have befriended me and I asked the same protection for this village also.”
The man looked up then and tilted his head eyeing William curiously before he spoke, “Who are ye really, that ye dare ask such things of the Earl?”
William laughed and dropped his eyes, then lifted his cup as he said easily, “I am a simple knight, a gentleman farmer, a man who is favored… ‘tis all, Alden.”
“I don’t believe ye are ‘a simple’ anything, English.”
A coy smile drew across William’s handsome face as he sipped his cup. “The reason is not important, Alden, only the fact that we shall have peace.”
The older man nodded and held up his cup satisfied with the careful answers he’d been given from the honest man before him. “Then to peace, English; come, drink to with me.”
William lifted his cup also and smiled…
The two men continued talking while Miranda sat listening quietly. She found it hard to believe that William was merely a simple man either, there was something about him that made everyone stand up and take notice. Perhaps it was the way he carried himself. Or maybe his handsome face and tall strong frame. She wasn’t sure what it was; but there was something about the man that made people want to follow him and she liked that. She glanced at him behind lowered lashes, enjoying the sight and sound of the man; his strong low voice made her heart skip a beat. Yet, as he stood to leave he made no attempt to even acknowledge she was there, nor did he even look at her—it was enough to make her want to cry as she turned away fighting the tears that already had filled her eyes.
William stood and turned with his host towards the door, from the corner of his eye he watched the girl, her mouth drew to a thin line and she turned away. His heart fell at the subtle insult. His hopes for gaining her favor seemed to slip away all within that simple look. And then he went out the door without a second glance. He’d been a fool to think so highly of himself that the girl might be as interested in him, as he was in her.
Alden bid him good day and watched as he drove back down the path that led him towards the village.
“Ye are a fool, an utter fool…” He murmured to himself at the thoughts that swirled around his head as he drove on. He had hoped that for all he had done, that he would have gained the girl’s favor, but… He scowled even harder at his lofty notations to win the girl’s affections; wondering what was he doing thinking of her anyway or even considering a wife! He had no proper house of his own, and he couldn’t just ask Phillip and Thomas to move into the barn! He shook his head again at the silly notion, well better he found out now before she knew his heart and told him plainly what she thought of him! But despite all his reasoning’s, still her insulting look was felt deep within him.
The next week was spent collecting firewood for the cold winter ahead. The village now boasted three families, all of whom had escaped the night of the siege, and together with his men they had rebuilt their homes and stocked them with what was needful. They would fare well in the cold months ahead—and if they did not, there were those around them now who could and would help.
His work helped ease his mind, for he was too busy to think of his attacker—or of her… But somehow, despite himself his mind always found a way back to her again, each time remembering her soft blue eyes, and shy timid smile and—and her subtle insult. And yet though it all, his thoughts always started and ended with her…
James Sheridan, the oldest son of the Earl opened the missive from the man who he had sent to keep an eye on his brother, he worried yet that William would somehow remember who had struck him and that he would make the truth known to his father! The only thing that had spared his life was the fact that he yet remained silent, and yet remained far away from Whittington! No one knew what had happened that night, for his brother could not remember and he himself had pushed Cooper from the rooftop of the mill in Kent making it look like an accident so that no one would have suspected what he had really done. It was too risky to let him go free, and when he died the secret died with him.
He glanced down letting his eyes move over the words that told him that William continued to rebuild the settlement and was nothing more than a farmer there… James tipped his head and smiled at the thought of his brother as a gentleman farmer. “’Tis good, William, remain there and if ye do, ye shall remain alive!”
He rolled the missile up and threw it in the hearth, swearing to himself that if William ever set foot in Whittington again, he would not be so lucky to walk away from it a second time…!
Miranda sat talking to old Anna with a soft smile on her face, but a sound at the door made her looked up with a frown hearing Egan’s low voice…again… She was feeling pressured by him and was afraid that soon he would lose his patients with her and force her into a marriage she did not want!
Chapter seven
Miranda spent the next few days trying to keep herself busy hoping that she wouldn’t run into Egan, which had become a daily annoyance to her—and hoping that she wouldn’t think of William again, though most of the time she did despite herself. She couldn’t help but notice that his visits had becoming less and less and of late, for it had almost been a fortnight since he had even showed his face there. And somehow she missed him, even though she knew she shouldn’t… If only he’d felt the same way she did, but then why would he? She was nothing to him, nothing at all…
She felt the tears that she had been trying to keep back all day well up in her eyes again, yet she would not let them fall to her cheeks. She drew a halted breath willing herself not to cry for that which was not meant to be! And prayed that she would not hold on to something that would never be hers…! But in the end, she knew she had already let herself fall in love with a man who didn’t want her—while another whom she despised pursued her endlessly…!
Alden Blair stood at a distance and watched his daughter, the girl
was crying—again, and he was sure he knew why… William of Glenton Moor. He’d watched his daughter when the man was around and heard her speak of him and knew that she favored him—as did he himself. The man was all he could ever want for her and more.
He sighed, wondering if it would be foolish of him to speak to the man of his daughter—she was Welsh after all, with only a poor man’s dowry to give on her behalf, and that only five pieces of silver and a cow. There was no reason that the man would even want the girl for his bride, unless—unless he had fallen in love with her. It was true that he had seen the man glance at her, and it had given him hope; though, the man was careful not to be noticed as he did it, which pleased Alden very much and spoke well of the man’s honor to boot.
And as far as his daughter went, she was sweet and kind and fair to behold, that much was true; but yet, William hadn’t been to see him in over a fortnight and it was that, that made him hold his tongue. He was sure that if the man were truly interested in his daughter he would have found reason to venture there and see her often… Nay, it would be foolish of him to go and tell of the girl’s anguish when the man himself didn’t share the same feelings for her. Yet, who else would bid for her hand here since Egan had marked her as his own! No one would dare to challenge him for her and he knew it very well! There would be no other suitor than Egan and it worried him.
But if he had a choice of men, he would have chosen William for the girl and no other—English or not, the man held the qualities that he, himself admired. And he also knew that a marriage between his family and the Englishman would safeguard them all from English attack, and keep peace between the Glenton Moor and Chadwick too for many years to come... He could only hope that there was still a chance that the man would take notice of his daughter and prayed it would be soon…
William glanced up, then set down the bucket in his hand, a slow smile creased his handsome face as he lifted his hand in a greeting. He met the old man half way along the narrow trail that lead to his house and offered him his hand. “Alden Blair, what brings thee to Glenton Moor this cold day?”
The old man smiled softly and crossed his arms over his broad chest. “Haven’t seen hide nor hair of ye, English. Have ye forgotten the way to my farm?”
The younger man just laughed, not willing to share his thoughts just then; for Alden had always welcomed him warmly into his home regardless of what his wife or children had thought of it. “Nay, ‘tis but the cold that keeps me away.”
The old man smiled. “Well, I’ve come to invite ye to a wedding. One of Miranda’s friends is marrying Egan’s younger brother.”
The mention of the two names made him frown as he shifted on long legs. “Ye know well I’m not from Chadwick, nor do I even know the couple… I fear my presence would be taken as improper.”
The old man nodded and rubbed his bristly chin. “Aye, but I have talked with the other villagers and all have agreed it would be more than fitting to invite ye for the good ye have done for us.”
William drew a tense breath and his lips drew taunt at the corners. He knew he had no business going back to Chadwick; and if he did, it would only mean seeing Miranda again and exposing himself to her rejection, though he would have never said so to her father. It may have been true that the lass felt no affection for him, but to see her with Egan would only drive him to the edge of reason! “…I thank ye, Alden, but—I must refuse.”
The old man eyed him carefully knowing it wasn’t the answer he had hoped for. “Yur men deserve a feast for all that they have done, William. Come now, English, say ye shall not offend us and refuse to be our guest!”
William shifted again, not wanting to be ungracious. “…Aye… Then we shall join thee, if ye are sure that none shall take offense to it.”
“Ock, give it no mind, English! I shall see thee then in two days time, the couple shall say their vows come mid morning, and we shall feast all day long!”
Despite the friendly words, William’s heart didn’t set easy with the invitation. And it was more than just the fact that he would see the man’s daughter again, for there was still some tension between him and a few of the villagers and the drunken revelry could lead to disaster, but yet he did not say no.
William managed a polite smile as the old man turned to leave. He watched him for a moment, and then turned away wondering as he went if it truly was a good idea for them to even go at all. He walked into the small barn with a frown. “We’ve been invited to Chadwick for a wedding.”
His two friends looked up at his words. “To Chadwick?” They glanced at one another with a worried look; for truth be told they had been more than glad that William had been staying away from the village, and now this…!
“Aye, Alden just left.”
“He has not given the lass to Egan has he?!” Phillip said with a frown.
“Nay, God forbid! ‘Tis not his daughter who shall be wed, but her friend and Egan’s brother.”
The three men looked at one another seeming to all have the same thoughts. “I suppose Egan shall press for the girl’s hand now more than ever.”
“I suppose so...”
Thomas shook his head in disgust. “’Twould be a pity, the lass deserves better than the likes of him! Well, ‘tis no concern of ours—ye refused the invitation, did ye not?”
“Aye, I tried, but Alden wouldn’t hear of it. I fear we have no choice but to pay them a visit in two days time. And the thought of going into a village where we might not be heartily welcome by a drunken crowd does not set easily with me. But if we stay only till midday, I doubt we shall encounter many problems.” He glanced at his two friends pointedly. “Though, we must go out of our way not offend them. We shall go armed, but not appear to be so, and I shall bring the groom a gift of three pieces of silver and a silver comb for his bride. ‘Tis fitting I believe. We shall mingle about with them, but mind that we do not to offend any! And then once midday comes we shall leave.”
Phillip looked at him and shook his head. “Truly, William—it feels more like a trap than a wedding we go to.”
“Aye, it does; but I trust Alden enough to believe he would not purposefully allow them to make trouble for us.”
“Nay, not him, but Egan and some of the other men would use even this to find aught against us!”
His friend’s words only spoke to the worry he himself already felt, but to refuse would be rude. No, they would go, and pray that peace would follow.
Miranda and her brother sat on the rocks at the edge of the stream as the cool waters ran past them. “I heard the men talking the other day.”
She glanced at him and smiled, noticing that he would not look at her as he spoke. “Aye, and what were they saying this time?”
“’Twas ye who was on their minds.”
She scowled and drew her gaze away from him. “Me? And why would they bother to speak of me?”
Her brother picked up a stone and skipped it across the surface of the slow meandering water. “With Megan and Eli marrying, and she being only a year less than ye, well—Egan is in a dither over it…”
She scowled even harder and picked up a rock herself. She’d tried very hard to avoid him and even more so of late knowing that Megan had been secretly meeting with Eli near the brook. And knowing how angry it would make Egan that she would not do the same. “I do not wish to marry the man.”
He drew a long breath, still not looking at her as he spoke. “Ye may have little choice in it, lass. Every man in the village knows how Egan feels about ye, and no one would oppose him and seek yur hand. Miranda, there shall be no suitors other than Egan Wallace and ye well know it!”
A hard frown creased her forehead as she stared at him, though he yet refused to meet her eyes. “Ye sound as if ye agree with him!”
He paused then turned and took her hand but she shook him off. “Miranda… Nay, I do not, but I see no other way but for ye to accept.”
She stared at him for a long moment then stood abruptly fists clenc
hed at her sides. “So he bullies even ye, brother! Is da the only man who dares refuse him?!”
He jumped to his feet and reached for her again, but she moved back angrily. “Nay, Miranda! ‘Tis not like that!”
She shook her head and stepped further away. “It ‘tis! Well, I would rather die a spinster before I marry the likes of Egan Wallace! And ye can tell him and the other men, I said that too if ye like!” With that she whirled around and ran back to the farm leaving him standing there in her wake.
He threw down the stone in his hand angrily. She was right; Egan had pressed him into talking to her, and he’d opened his mouth without even thinking how she felt about it all! Though, he was sure that none of them would have much choice in the end! Egan wanted her, it was that simple. And he’d had been furious that his younger brother would wed before him… Turin glanced in his sister’s direction again, feeling more than guilty for what he’d done—and yet he knew his words were true… Though she deserved better, yet there would be no other who would come for her hand save Egan Wallace…
William was the last to walk down to the pond not far from their farm and bathe there in the cool waters that did nothing to refresh him though the day would soon be warm. He and his men donned simple garments; tan tunics, a white shirt with brown trousers and boots—their long knives well hidden within as every knight had learned to do, sewing a sheaf on the inner side of the boot to conceal it. He would wear no knife in his belt save a small one for carving his meat. For he would not appear as if he planned to cause trouble this day, yet he would not go looking defenseless either! They were dressed simple, clean and most acceptable he was sure. His damp hair now hung in lose waves to his collar making him look handsome but dangerous, and a four day shadow was now trimmed to a neat short goatee. Yet, even as they stood ready, he glanced at his men wondering if it were truly wise for them to go at all... But with a sigh he walked to his mount regardless of his wayward thoughts...
Debra Kay Leland Page 8